Magic crushes Hawks in Game 1 of NBA semifinals

Dwight Howard had 21 points and 12 rebounds in one of the most crushing playoff wins in Orlando Magic history, a 114-71 victory over the visiting Atlanta Hawks last night in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series.

Howard added five blocks, helping the Magic go ahead by as many as 46 points. Vince Carter finished with 20 points as Orlando showed no signs of rust after an eight-day layoff.

Josh Smith scored 14 points and Zaza Pachulia had 12 for a Hawks team that had little playoff poise. Game 2 in the best-of-seven series is Thursday night in Orlando.

The Hawks were held to 10 points in the second quarter, and just 11 points in the third. Howard and most of the Magic starters weren't even needed in the fourth. NBA to review Ainge

A nuisance as an NBA player, Danny Ainge is still being a pest as general manager. Boston's GM was spotted in TV replays throwing a white towel in the air to distract Cleveland forward J.J. Hickson at the free-throw line in the third quarter of Game 2 on Monday night.

Ainge, sitting in the first seat to the right of Cleveland's basket, is seen reaching behind the stanchion to grab one of the ball boy's towels as Hickson prepared to shoot. Ainge then tossed the towel into the air on Hickson's second attempt with 1:53 remaining. At the time, the Celtics were leading 80-57 on their way to winning, 104-86.

NBA spokesman Tim Frank said the league is aware of Ainge's actions and that "the situation is under review."

- AP